Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the strategy that will finally break England's long wait for a first Rugby League World Cup trophy and put an end to Australia’s decades‑long reign. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after England suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the Ashes series—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup triumph. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten tournaments. For an English side that has not defeated the Aussies since the 1995 final, the task appears formidable.
Yet McDermott, speaking with unmistakable passion, insists the disparity is surmountable and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the decisive leap. "We need a plan that is tailored specifically for British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that is fundamentally different to the NRL," McDermott explained.
"A generic approach won’t cut it. We can’t simply copy what other nations are doing; our game plan has to be distinct if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko. "When Fury stepped into the ring he didn’t pretend his right hand was as powerful as Klitschko’s.
He knew he had to fight differently, using a strategy that the champion wasn’t prepared for. The lesson for us is the same: we must adopt a unique approach and execute it flawlessly." McDermott stressed that the gap between England and Australia is "bridgeable" and the competition "winnable," but only if England stops pretending it can match Australia on their own terms. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening.
We can win, absolutely, but we have to do things differently," he said. Having out‑performed rivals such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England job, McDermott now faces a tight timeline. England’s World Cup campaign opens against Tonga on 17 October, and the new coach’s first priorities are assembling a capable backroom staff and reaching out to players for the first time. He will be undertaking these tasks from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans.
Addressing concerns about the part‑time nature of the role, McDermott signed a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup and emphasised that modern technology mitigates any geographic obstacles. "The internet lets me watch games, analyse footage and stay connected with the squad," he noted. "I already watch plenty of Super League matches without being the England coach. Even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway." He also hinted that he would be interested in remaining in the position beyond the tournament, signalling a longer‑term vision for English rugby league.
One of the early talking points surrounding his appointment is the status of Leeds half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year. When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely.
The narrative around Jake has been unfair. Some love him, some don’t – that’s part of the sport. But no one can dispute his talent. He’s a game‑breaker, a fantastic player." McDermott’s comments reflect a broader philosophy: focus on the individual strengths of players rather than succumbing to media‑driven storylines.
By giving Connor a clear vote of confidence, the new coach hopes to foster a culture where merit and performance dictate selection. Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, McDermott acknowledges the need for cultural change within the England set‑up. He intends to blend the physicality and work‑rate typical of Super League athletes with the strategic sophistication seen in the NRL. This hybrid model, he believes, will allow England to compete toe‑to‑toe with the Australians, who benefit from a deep talent pool and a home‑ground advantage.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial. McDermton will travel between the Gold Coast and the UK, liaising with club coaches, scouting opposition footage, and establishing a coaching hierarchy that can deliver clear instructions on both attack and defence. He also plans to integrate sports science, video analysis and mental‑performance coaching into the preparation process, ensuring that players are not only physically ready but also mentally resilient for the pressure of a World Cup.
Fans can look forward to a more transparent selection process, with McDermott promising regular updates via digital platforms. He expects to hold virtual squad meetings, allowing players based in the UK and Australia to discuss tactics in real time. This approach, he argues, will help bridge the distance gap and create a unified team identity despite the logistical challenges.
The stakes are high, but the optimism surrounding McDermott’s appointment is palpable. With a clear vision, a willingness to innovate, and a commitment to giving deserving players like Jake Connor their chance, England may finally have the ingredients needed to topple the Australian juggernaut.
The journey to the World Cup final will be a test of strategy, adaptability and belief, but McDermton’s message is simple: the gap can be closed, and the trophy is within reach if England dares to play a different game. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive live fixtures each round and the remaining five games shown weekly on its main channel. This comprehensive coverage will provide fans with ample opportunity to follow the domestic competition that feeds talent into the national squad, further supporting McDermott’s mission to build a side capable of challenging Australia’s dominance on the world stage.